Fun Things to Do Near LaGuardia Airport: The Ultimate Guide to LGA Airport
Whether your trip to LaGuardia Airport involves a short wait or requires a layover’s worth of entertainment, this guide will set you up to make the most of your time at LaGuardia Airport.
LGA is located in Queens, New York, and has the title of 19th busiest airport in America. In 2024 an estimated 33.5 million people passed through it. The airport is 1,300 feet long and 180 ft wide making the smallest of New York’s three major airports. There are three active Terminals to navigate and after a years-long redevelopment project, they are updated with every modern amenity and lined with great restaurants and shops for you to enjoy.
In this blog, we will give you the inside scoop on how to navigate your time at LaGuardia Airport, give you ideas for free things to do near LaGuardia Airport, as well as set you up with a list of the best things to do near LGA.
Our Favorite Things to Do at and Near LGA Airport During a Layover:
- Enjoy the art installations at the airport
- Take a walking food tour
- Eat a good meal and unwind
- Decompress in the sensory room
In This Post We Unpack (Pun Intended)
- How to get to the airport and navigate to your terminal
- Where you can park and what your options are for ride-share
- The best accommodations and hotels for your layover
- Where to eat in LGA
- The history of LaGuardia Airport
Table of Contents
Getting To and From LGA 🚆
Public Transit Options
If you are traveling to LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan you can rely on public transit to get you there. Locate the subway line nearest to you that can get you to transfer to the Q70-SBS bus or the M60-SBS bus. Apps like City Mapper and the MTA app can be extremely helpful in navigating this, and finding the most direct route for you to take to the airport.
Rental Cars
Terminal C of LaGuardia is the home of the car rental facilities for the airport. If you need to take a car around the city after your flight has landed this will be your first stop after baggage claim. Rental agencies provide a free shuttle from LaGuardia to the rental car facility that runs frequently. You can rent from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, or Thrifty. It is a good idea to contact them before your trip to make sure a car that fits your needs is ready for you to pick up when you land at LGA.
Ride-Share
Uber and Lyft are great options for pickup and dropoff at LGA. By scheduling with a ride-share company in advance of your flight you can take advantage of fixed prices for your commute to or from LaGuardia. There is a high demand for ride-shares from the airport so scheduling ahead is key for making your experience as seamless as possible.
Taxis
In NYC the classic yellow taxi is still, arguably, king! Metered taxi rides are available at every terminal, just follow the signs or locate an Airport Experience Specialist to point you in the right direction. On LaGuardia’s website, they give you estimates on how much your ride from the airport to different Burroughs will run you.
Drive to the Airport and Park (more on that below)
LaGuardia has three Parking garages, one for each terminal where you can park your vehicle if that is your preferred method of transportation.
LaGuardia Airport Parking 🅿️
Book your parking spot ahead of time on LaGuardia’s website to save money and ensure your most convenient garage isn’t at capacity the day you fly. With one garage in each terminal odds are you will be able to snag a spot, but particularly around the holidays it is important to book your spot as soon as you can. If you want to travel luxuriously there are a select amount of premium spots in each garage you can reserve online that grant you the closest proximity to your terminal.
The most economical parking option is to prepay for Economy Parking at least 24 hours in advance, where you will be charged $40 for the first 24 hours and $20 every 12 hours after that time elapses. Terminal A Prebooked parking will be capped at $50 a day, Terminal B Prebooked parking will cap at $55 a day, and Terminal C Prebooked Parking will cap at $60 a day. If you book under the 24-hour mark you can end up paying 15-19 more dollars per day depending on the Terminal you park at, so reserving in advance is key!
Navigating the LGA Terminals ✈️
There are three Terminals at LaGuardia: A, B, and C. The airport is relatively small and designed so that you will never be more than 11 minutes away from your gate after exiting security.
- Terminal A has one concourse with gates 1-6
- Terminal B has two concourses with gates 11-31 and 40-59
- Terminal C has four concourses with gates 61-69, 71-79, 82-89, and 92-98
Accessibility Information at LGA ℹ️
TSA Cares
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides patrons with disabilities and medical issues information on the screening procedures they will undergo at the airport and will link you with someone to help you through this process in the airport. You are required to give 72 hours notice and you can contact them via phone at 855-787-2227 or via email at [email protected].
Sunflower Lanyard
If you or your loved one has a hidden/invisible disability you can request a free Sunflower lanyard at the pre-security Welcome Center. This lanyard signals that you have a hidden disability such as PTSD, Autism, or are hard of hearing and that you may need extra support while traveling. Gate and Airport personnel are aware of this initiative and will be accommodating.
Wheelchairs and Oxygen Devices
You need to alert your airline about wheelchair and oxygen device requirements before your flight. Contact info for all airlines that come through LaGuardia can be found here.
Assistive Technology
AIRA – Artificial Intelligence Remote Assistance: this is a mobile app to assist blind and low-vision travelers. A live remote agent will assist you by seeing your surroundings through your phone camera and directing you in real time. The app is free to download and use.
ASL Translation Tech: This is a new initiative from the Port Authority which is using new technology created by Convo Conversations, a deaf-owned company, to translate for passengers using ASL in real-time. You can scan a QR code at the airport to use this tech, which can be found in Welcome Center areas near baggage claim.
Hearing Loops: This assistive technology allows sound to be broadcast directly through your hearing aid. You can find these devices in all terminals using this map. Just remember to set your hearing aid to the T setting to receive the direct broadcast.
Sensory Rooms
In Terminal C, after security, you can find a sensory room that all travelers are welcome to take advantage of without any prior notice. While open to all guests, these rooms were designed with neurodivergent travelers in mind. It is a quiet space to decompress from the overstimulating sights and sounds of the airport. It also has an area where you can sit in a model airplane to practice for your flight and work through your flying anxiety.
Service Animals
You are welcome to travel with your service animal at LaGuardia Airport. They even have service animal and pet relief areas, also known as (SARA) before and after security. Be sure to check your airline’s policy on service animals and pets as they may have specific policies and require being notified a certain amount of time in advance.
LaGuardia Airport Food & Drink Options 🥘
In this section, we are going to break down:
- Where you should get your morning Joe
- The best places for lunch and dinner
- The fast food options at LGA for when you’re in a rush
- Where to get a sweet treat
- And last (but certainly not least), how to get a stiff drink.
Coffee Shops ☕️
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters/Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Recommendation: This truly unique mashup makes it possible to get a craft cup of coffee alongside an artisanal grilled cheese sandwich first thing in the morning. We can’t think of a better combo!
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
Recommendation: Irving Farm Coffee Roasters is a local New York Coffee brand, and if you are interested in enjoying a local cup of coffee at the airport, this is a great option for you!
Pour Authority
Recommendation: Pour Authority is serving up coffee from a local roaster in Queens by day, and switches over to being a wine bar at night. Even the grab-and-go food options are local; you can get empanadas or dessert from Harlem Baking Company.
Birch Coffee
Recommendation: Birch coffee will quickly serve you a delicious grab-and-go cup of joe. They get their beans from Central America, South America, and East Africa, and allow you to select from a variety of brew methods to get your perfect cup of coffee.
Best Lunch and Dinner Spots 🥗
Talde Noodle Bar
Recommendation: Celebrity Chef Dale Talde has made a splash with his noodle bar at LaGuardia. The dishes are reasonably priced and delicious. We particularly recommend the crispy chicken noodles and cha siu pork ramen.
Hunt and Fish Grill
Recommendation: You can get a perfectly cooked steak and a strong cocktail at Hunt and Fish Grill. This restaurant is on the more upscale side of airport dining, and its famous cocktail The Cherry Bomb has been drawing diners in ever since it opened.
I’l Viaggi
Recommendation: I’l Viaggi is serving up delicious Italian food all day, but if you ask diners about the highlight of their experience most will commend the service they received (which is a rare compliment for an airport restaurant.) Enjoy Italian classics like meatballs, chicken parmesan, pizza, and Italian hospitality at I’l Viaggi.
Bubby’s
Recommendation: Bubby’s has been serving up hearty comfort food at its Tribeca location since the 90s, and the airport location shares its charm with those who pass through. Enjoy fried chicken, and fluffy pancakes, and don’t leave without having a slice of their famous pie!
Calista Taverna
Recommendation: You’d be surprised by the quality of the grilled Branzino being served up at Calista Taverna. Enjoy Greek classics done right and yummy specialty cocktails like the Sisyphus’s Day off, which combines rum and ube at this casual airport eatery.
Chuko Ramen
Recommendation: Chuko Ramen is a favorite Ramen joint of many New Yorkers, and it seems that its Laguardia counterpart does not disappoint. The sesame garlic ramen might just be the perfect comforting bowl of soup for a long travel day.
Food Halls 🌮
LaGuardia is home to two food halls, one in Terminal B and one in Terminal C. This is a great option if you’re traveling with family or friends and everyone has different preferences for where you dine.
Terminal B Food Hall
- Green Leaf’s
- Brooklyn Diner
- Dos Toros Taqueria
- Hill Country
- Mad Ave Market
- Mulberry Street
- Spirit and Bell
- The Bowery Bay
- Tony + Benny’s
Terminal C Food Hall
- Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
- Brooklyn’s Best Bagels
- Jersey Mikes
- King David Tacos
- Kombu QSR
- Trinity Burgers
Fast Food & Chains 🍔
For travelers who are in a rush or just craving something familiar, LGA has great options for you. The two fast food chains they have are Wendy’s in Terminal B and C and Shake Shack in Terminal. If you’re looking for a familiar cup of coffee, there is a Dunkin’ Donuts in Terminals A and B and a Starbucks in Terminals B and C.
Sweet Treats 🧁
NY Creperie
Recommendation: NY Creperie is a popular crêpe chain in the city, and you can try all of their best crêpes at this LGA location.
Zaro’s Family Bakery
Recommendation: Zaro’s has been serving up delicious Kosher desserts since 1927. Be sure to grab a rugelach or a loaf of challah when you pass by them in the airport.
Magnolia Bakery
Recommendation: Magnolia Bakery is famous for its banana pudding and icebox cakes. This is one of the best bakeries in New York City, and the LGA location is not to be passed over!
Grab a Drink 🥃
Panorama Bar
Recommendation: The Panorama Bar is a charming rooftop bar in terminal B with great views of Queens. Enjoy drinks and small bites while taking in the best views in the airport.
Bar Veloce
Recommendation: At Bar Veloce, you can get a nice glass of red or white wine, a craft cocktail, and a handheld snack. The highlight of their menu is the wine list, which is extensive for an airport bar.
Orpheus & Apollo
Recommendation: Richard Lippol’s Orpheus & Apollo sculpture is the stunning centerpiece of this bar and lounge. You can view the runway as you enjoy your drinks and light bites. There’s also a private event space attached to the lounge called Bluebird if you want to host an aviation-centric event.
Terrace Bar
Recommendation: Terrace Bar is unique in that it is situated in the Terminal C food court, and allows you to bring food in from your restaurant of choice. This is a great place to enjoy your feast from Food Hall C with a beer or glass of wine.
LGA Airport Shopping and Stores 🛍️
Whether you forgot your neck pillow you can’t fly without, or you’re looking to grab a last-minute gift on your way home, LGA has many places where you can purchase necessities and souvenirs.
Travel Necessities, Books, Souvenirs
- Terminal A: Cibo Express Gourmet Market
- Terminal B: District Market, Eli’s Essentials, Gotham News, Hudson, McNally Jackson, WH Smith
- Terminal C: Brand Me New York, Buzz Feed New York, Cibo Express Gourmet Market, Select a Branch
Electronics
- Terminal B: Bose, InMotion Entertainment, istore
- Terminal C: iPorte
Makeup
- Terminal B: Anastasia, MAC
- Terminal C: Beekman 1802, Le Labo, MAC
Arts, Culture, & Entertainment at LaGuardia 🖼️
LaGuardia Airport has commissioned many pieces of art as part of its redevelopment plan. Below is a guide to help you spot 12 of the pieces on a mini art tour around the airport!
Flying Fish Frieze
- Location: Outside Terminal A
- Look for: a frieze on the exterior of the building with fish, composed of an estimated 2,200 tiles.
Flight by James Brooks
- Location: Terminal A
- Look for: a mural depicting the invention of flight, created by Brooks in the 1940s and restored in the 1980s
Model Boeing B-314
- Location: Terminal A
- Look for: at the center of this terminal you can find this 1/10th size model of this iconic aircraft
Fiorello LaGuardia Bust
- Location: Terminal A
- Look for: it’s hard to miss this 8-foot-tall marble bust of the airport’s founder at the center of the terminal
All Your Wishes by Jeppe Hein
- Location: Terminal B
- Look for: this installation is composed of 70 reflective metal balloons that appear to be floating to the top of the airport ceiling throughout the terminal
La Guardia Vistas by Sabine Hornig
- Location: Terminal B
- Look for: a transparent photo collage along the corridor of the terminal composed of 1,100 photos of NYC
NY by Laura Owens
- Location: Terminal B
- Look for: a tiled mosaic mural, reaching two levels high, of clouds accompanied by NYC landmarks and symbols
Shorter Than the Day by Sarah Sze
- Location: Terminal B
- Look for: photos of the New York skyline suspended from aluminum wires in a spherical configuration
Skylight Gems by Virginia Overton
- Location: Terminal C
- Look for: a dozen gem-shaped skylights hanging from the ceiling and giving off a pretty glow
The Travelers’ Broken Crowd by Rashid Johnson
- Location: Terminal C
- Look for: a mural composed of anxious and angry-looking abstract faces, made of bright tiles, shards of mirror, and shells
Pacha Cosmopolitan Overtime by Ronny Quevedo
- Location: Terminal C
- Look for: a strip of gym flooring covered in colorful tape and mounted on a wall
The Worlds We Speak by Mariam Ghani
- Location: Terminal C
- Look for: over by baggage claim there’s a Mosaic of colorful circles representing New York’s five major boroughs and the tri-state area
Fun Things to Do Near LaGuardia Airport NY During a Long Layover 🎉
If your layover leaves you with enough time to venture outside, there are a few fun things to do near the LaGuardia Airport NYC right in the area that can turn your layover into a mini-vacation!
Take a NY Food Tour
Stretch your legs and your palate on an NYC Walking Food Tour! The best way to explore the cuisine of a new area is with an expert, and we here at Avital Food & Drink Experiences have been giving food tours since 2011. On our food tours, we will take you to four different restaurants, where you will eat the equivalent of two appetizers, an entrée, and a dessert, all the while hearing quirky and revealing stories about this fabulous city.
East Village Food Tour
Join us for an East Village Food Tour! The story of the East Village is the story of the immigrants, rock stars, artists, students, and chefs who risked it all to make their home here. This tour will show you that the cuisine of the East Village is just as diverse, rich, and powerful as the stories of the people who brought it here.
Flatiron Food Tour
Flatiron is a trendy and elegant neighborhood in NYC that has all the world-renowned chefs hoping to make their mark in Manhattan flocking to it. We can guide you to all the best gems on our Flatiron Food Tour. This district is home to many Michelin-starred and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants. It has a history of being a neighborhood where indulgence and debauchery were the goals of your visit, and things have only changed so much in the last hundred years. Indulge with us in Flat Iron where you might be tasting dishes like: Turkish Manti, Greek Lamb Mousakka, and Mozzarella di Bufala imported from Italy.
Catch a Baseball Game at Citi Field
A quick 5-minute drive from LGA you’ll find Citi Field, home to the New York Mets. If the timing works out during your layover, you can head over for some tailgating and catch a game!
Visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a 10 minute taxi ride (or 25 minutes by public transport). It was the home of Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille Wilson from 1943 until 1971, when he passed away. A must-see for jazz music fans.
Visit Flushing for a Self-Guided Dumpling Tour
Flushing has the biggest Chinatown east of California and it’s only about 10 minutes from LGA. You can eat some of the best Chinese food (at the best prices)! Download our complimentary dumpling tour to explore the best places and most delicious bites the neighborhood has to offer.
Laguardia Airport Hotels to Stay 🏨
If you’re looking for a hotel to stay at near Laguardiua you don’t have to look far. The Q23 will take you one stop from the airport to any of these LaGuardia-affiliated hotels:
Best Amenities: New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott
The Marriot is the most upscale of the three hotels affiliated with Laguardia Airport, with rooms starting at around $300 a night. They offer the most amenities including a fitness center, restaurant, bar, room service, and onsite parking.
Best Value: Hampton Inn New York LaGuardia Airport
The Hampton Inn is the mid-tier option of the three, with reasonable rates starting around $130 a night, and some amenities such as free hot breakfast, fitness center access, and business meeting rooms.
Most Affordable: LaGuardia Plaza Hotel
The LaGuardia Plaza Hotel is the most affordable option on this list with rooms starting at around $110 a night. It has a restaurant, pool, gym, and bar, so it still packs in a lot of amenities for the price point.
NYC Airport Travel Tips ✅
- Sign up for Clear or TSA Pre-Check and skip the line at security
- Download movies and TV shows for the plane before you leave for the airport
- Save your digital airline pass to your digital wallet for easy access
- Use the _Free LGA WiFi network so you don’t waste your cellular data
History of the Laguardia Airport 📖
1929: The land is converted into a private airfield, and named the Glenn H. Curtis Airport.
1935: It is renamed The North Beach Airport. Shortly after this, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia begins efforts to convert this private airfield into a commercial airport.
1939: After a 20 million dollar investment the airport officially opens for commercial voyages around December. It is known as the New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field.
1947: Control of the airport is given over to The Port Authority and it is officially renamed LaGuardia Airport.
1964: Terminal B is built.
1984: Due to an inability to keep up with the growing demand for commercial flights the Port Authority institutes a rule that flights out of LGA will be to destinations no further than 1,500 miles.
1992: Terminal C opens.
2016: After harsh criticism about airport conditions 8 billion dollars are invested in redeveloping and modernizing the terminals.
2021: The redevelopment project is completed, and LaGuardia is back and in better shape than ever.
Bon Voyage 👋
We wish you happy travels and a safe flight. We hope this guide helps you enjoy your time at the LaGuardia Airport and find fun things to do in the area. Layovers don’t have to be a drag when you prepare an itinerary beforehand, and LGA has so much to offer; finding an activity to fill your time shouldn’t be hard. After reading this, I think your most challenging job might just be paring down all the exciting options LGA has to offer. Safe travels, everyone, and be well!
For those with a long layover looking to explore NYC and eat incredible food, book a food tour with us! Our tours are hosted by experts and you’ll visit the best restaurants in NYC, all in 3 hours.
New York City
East Village Food Tour
New York City
Flatiron Food Tour
New York City
NYC Michelin Food Tour